In a bridging session between the New Year and the weekend, the MSCI Asia Pacific regional index rose by 0,2% (in addition to Japan, the stock exchanges in China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines were closed). The dollar still stands against everyone: an effective exchange rate index (Bloomberg) rises to its highest level in more than five years, and the euro falls to 1,205 (its lowest level since June 2010).
The yen is still above 120 against the dollar, and the greenback is also gaining against the Australian dollar and virtually all Asian currencies. Even the Chinese currency (6,23) was affected by the strength of the dollar. The ruble stands at 59 against the dollar.
Gold is also paying the price for the inflow of capital towards the USA, which drops to 1185 $/ounce. Oil is not very varied: 53,8 $/b for WTI, 57,5 for Brent. Futures on Wall Street are up (+0,5%): US data on manufacturing PMI (ISM) and construction spending are expected today.
